Landlord Tenant

Leases

Drafting a lease is one of the most critical activities any landlord can undertake. You need to make sure it is accurate and, most importantly, will hold up to Vermont state law. A lease downloaded from the Internet may contain clauses which, if not valid in the state of Vermont, may invalidate the lease altogether. Protect yourself and your investment by consulting with an attorney who can assist you in making a lease that will stand up to the law and define the responsibilities of all parties clearly. Handy Law has the knowledge and experience you need to draft iron-clad leases which the courts will honor.

Evictions

Having a tenant that does not pay is the nightmare all Vermont property owners dread. If you been unfortunate enough to rent to an irresponsible party, it is important to take swift and decisive action. Handy Law has the knowledge and experience you need to start the eviction process quickly and correctly. We know how to institute the eviction process and how to guide it through the courts. From delivering a Notice to Quit to filing a Summons and Complain for Eviction, we will take every step in accordance with the law so that you don’t lose time and revenue. Our goal is the safe return of your rental property and the swift removal of the non-paying tenant.

Tenant Disputes

Both parties to any Vermont lease may have issues with the other side. If the issues are not about payment you need the guidance of a trained and experienced landlord-tenant attorney to either get the renter to comply with your legitimate requests or to get the landlord to comply with repairing faulty facilities or dangerous housing conditions. Handy Law has the knowledge of Vermont’s real estate statutes to ensure that either side of a landlord-tenant dispute is heard accurately and their grievances are redressed appropriately. Everyone wants to live in harmony with their neighbors and landlords and we will strive to make things right between two disagreeing parties.

Irresponsible Tenant

Sometimes a Vermont landlord makes an honest mistake and rents their property to an irresponsible individual or family. As a landlord you have many options available from negotiating with the tenant(s) to keep them on if they are paying, to starting the eviction process if they are not. Whatever course of action you decide to pursue, you need to make sure it is in accordance with the Vermont real estate statutes. Handy Law has extensive knowledge of these statutes and has successfully resolved irresponsible tenant situations or have assisted in evicting the irresponsible tenants. If your property is in the care of irresponsible people, swift action is necessary.

Property Profitability

Keeping your Vermont rentals free of liability is an objective every landlord should have. Given the complexity of real estate law in the state of Vermont you need an attorney who understands the subtleties and can guide your business practices in the most profitable direction. We can help you improve your rent collection rates and we can help you manage problem tenancies before they become unmanageable. We will counsel you on how to optimize existing procedures and systems. Handy Law will help your property management business succeed and steer clear of liability. If you rent property and want to improve your profitability, give us a call for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Unjust Eviction

Sometimes your Vermont landlord surprises you with a Notice to Quit and you have done nothing to warrant the notice. If a landlord has attempted to break your lease in an unlawful way, you need an attorney who knows Vermont real estate law. The cost of moving, the difficulties of finding a new home and the stress associated with being punished unjustly all demand swift justice. Handy Law has the experience, knowledge and understanding of Vermont real estate law to defend against unjust evictions and putting your life back on track. If you have been served with an unjust eviction anywhere within the state of Vermont, give us a call for a free consultation to discuss your options.